4.4

Decision-making processes

KEY POINTS
  • Decision-making processes should be analysed to see if they are equitable, respectful of rights, participatory and transparent.
  • Decision-making for World Heritage takes place at multiple levels; the various decision-making roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined to lead to more effective and collaborative management linked with accountability.
  • Decisions and recommendations by the World Heritage Committee The main decision-making body of the World Heritage Convention The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international treaty adopted by the UN in 1972 that defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value for all humankind. Commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, it establishes how the international community as a whole is responsible for
    the protection of such heritage and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites that may be eligible for inscription onto the World Heritage List and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the sites situated on its territory that have been recognized as being of Outstanding Universal Value, but also to protect its national heritage and to be involved in international efforts to protect, conserve and promote the heritage of humankind.         , it consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected for terms up to six years, but voluntarily reduced to 4 years to ensure equitable representation.The Committee meets at least once a year. It is one of the key implementing actors of the World Heritage Convention The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international treaty adopted by the UN in 1972 that defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value for all humankind. Commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, it establishes how the international community as a whole is responsible for
    the protection of such heritage and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites that may be eligible for inscription onto the World Heritage List and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the sites situated on its territory that have been recognized as being of Outstanding Universal Value, but also to protect its national heritage and to be involved in international efforts to protect, conserve and promote the heritage of humankind.         , allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. and has the final say on whether a site shall be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites and decides on the inscription or removal of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.The main functions of the Convention, in cooperation with States Parties, are to:decide, on the basis of Tentative Lists and nominations submitted by States Parties, which cultural and natural properties of Outstanding Universal Value are to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore protected under the Convention;examine the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List through processes of Reactive Monitoring and Periodic Reporting;decide which properties inscribed on the World Heritage List are to be inscribed
    on, or removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger;decide whether a property should be deleted from the World Heritage List;define the procedure by which requests for International Assistance are to be
    considered and carry out studies and consultations as necessary before coming to a decision;determine how the resources of the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. can be used most advantageously to assist States Parties in the protection of their properties of Outstanding Universal Value;seek ways to increase the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. ;submit a report on its activities every two years to the General Assembly of States
    Parties and to the UNESCO General Conference;review and evaluate periodically the implementation of the Convention;revise and adopt the Operational Guidelines.     must be considered and responded to.
  • Rights-holders Actors socially endowed with legal or customary rights with respect to heritage resources. In the case of Indigenous Peoples, they have the right to free, prior and informed consent before approval of designating a place affecting their lands or territories and other resources as heritage, and need to participate in its governance and management. must be involved in decision-making and treated differently to stakeholders who have an interest in but no rights over the heritage place.
  • Conflict can arise in the management of heritage places, particularly where there are unequal power dynamics. Effective resolution of these conflicts should be carried out in accordance with principles of good governance and may benefit from mediation.
4.4.1
Why is it important to understand the decision-making processes at a heritage place?

Analysis of governance arrangements involves not only looking at who is involved but also how decisions are made. This needs both an assessment of the quality of decision-making processes in the light of good governance principles, as well as questioning formal and informal decision-making processes. Analysing if those processes are equitable, respectful of rights, participatory, and transparent is critical. Decision-making processes can occur at different levels – local, regional, national and sometimes international – and hence involve many different actors.

To make sound decisions, it is important that all actors involved have access to adequate information and that they are fully aware of how decisions enable or constrain the management of the heritage place, as well as their rights and responsibilities. Transparent and participatory decision-making processes will need time and the investment of resources but these usually prove cost-effective in the long run, as they harness the contributions of diverse actors, promote collaboration and prevent conflicts.

4.4.2
Multiple decision-making levels

Governance The interactions among structures, processes and traditions that determine how power and responsibilities are exercised, how decisions are taken and how different actors have their say in relation to the identification, protection and management of the World Heritage property A cultural, natural or mixed heritage place inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore considered to be of OUV for humanity. The responsibility for nominating a property to the World Heritage List falls upon the State(s) Party(ies) where it is located. The World Heritage Committee decides whether a property should be inscribed on the World Heritage List, taking into account the technical recommendations of the Advisory Bodies following rigorous evaluation processes.
When used as a general term, World Heritage refers to all the natural, cultural and mixed properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. or the heritage place. arrangements vary considerably from one heritage place to another and so do the decision-making processes associated with them. Due to the international recognition of World Heritage, decision-making takes place at multiple levels. However, in many heritage places, this aspect of management is often not given the consideration it deserves and, as a result, roles and the decision-making responsibilities of each manager are not clearly defined, leading to overlaps, gaps or contradictions about who should do what. Taking the time to understand decision-making at a heritage place will lead to more effective management.

The type of heritage place can determine the complexity of the decision-making processes. Some heritage places may come mainly under the responsibility of a single manager, with other administrative levels having an oversight role and acting only when particular challenges arise. In other cases, decision-making processes among multiple managers working at different levels and in different sectors, should complement one another. This is particularly important for urban and landscape properties, and also for serial, transboundary and transitional properties. The management of heritage places requires the participation of rights-holders, local communities and other associated communities, which adds other layers of decision-making.

Interactions for decision-making occur through collaboration and exchange between multiple actors, both formal (e.g. through legal procedures) and informal (e.g. based on relationships and trust): for instance, when a municipal planning department coordinates with a heritage authority over the potential construction of a new road near an archaeological site, or when a port authority consults the heritage authority about shipping operations close to a sensitive marine sanctuary.

In cases where there are serious concerns about the protection of a World Heritage property A cultural, natural or mixed heritage place inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore considered to be of OUV for humanity. The responsibility for nominating a property to the World Heritage List falls upon the State(s) Party(ies) where it is located. The World Heritage Committee decides whether a property should be inscribed on the World Heritage List, taking into account the technical recommendations of the Advisory Bodies following rigorous evaluation processes.
When used as a general term, World Heritage refers to all the natural, cultural and mixed properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. , the World Heritage Committee The main decision-making body of the World Heritage Convention The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international treaty adopted by the UN in 1972 that defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value for all humankind. Commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, it establishes how the international community as a whole is responsible for
the protection of such heritage and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites that may be eligible for inscription onto the World Heritage List and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the sites situated on its territory that have been recognized as being of Outstanding Universal Value, but also to protect its national heritage and to be involved in international efforts to protect, conserve and promote the heritage of humankind. , it consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected for terms up to six years, but voluntarily reduced to 4 years to ensure equitable representation.The Committee meets at least once a year. It is one of the key implementing actors of the World Heritage Convention The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international treaty adopted by the UN in 1972 that defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value for all humankind. Commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, it establishes how the international community as a whole is responsible for
the protection of such heritage and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites that may be eligible for inscription onto the World Heritage List and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the sites situated on its territory that have been recognized as being of Outstanding Universal Value, but also to protect its national heritage and to be involved in international efforts to protect, conserve and promote the heritage of humankind. , allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. and has the final say on whether a site shall be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites and decides on the inscription or removal of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.The main functions of the Convention, in cooperation with States Parties, are to:decide, on the basis of Tentative Lists and nominations submitted by States Parties, which cultural and natural properties of Outstanding Universal Value are to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore protected under the Convention;examine the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List through processes of Reactive Monitoring and Periodic Reporting;decide which properties inscribed on the World Heritage List are to be inscribed
on, or removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger;decide whether a property should be deleted from the World Heritage List;define the procedure by which requests for International Assistance are to be
considered and carry out studies and consultations as necessary before coming to a decision;determine how the resources of the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. can be used most advantageously to assist States Parties in the protection of their properties of Outstanding Universal Value;seek ways to increase the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. ;submit a report on its activities every two years to the General Assembly of States
Parties and to the UNESCO General Conference;review and evaluate periodically the implementation of the Convention;revise and adopt the Operational Guidelines. can make recommendations about it to the State Party. Such interactions between the international and national levels require appropriate hierarchical procedures to ensure the transmission of information across the relevant institutions at different administrative levels (i.e. national, regional and/or local). Often, those institutions will also need to collaborate and combine their
powers and resources to implement the Committee’s recommendations. Levels of decentralization within a country will help determine if decisions will be implemented centrally or locally, and which institutions will have more of an oversight role.

4.4.3
Decision-making processes

Decision-making processes may stipulate that the manager with primary heritage responsibilities is only legally required to inform other managers about certain actions or decisions taken. In other cases, that manager may be legally required to consult with other managers before taking certain decisions. Sometimes, different managers are legally bound to decide on issues together, for instance when developing and jointly implementing a management plan. In some cases of community-based management, it may be necessary for the community to take a majority vote or reach consensus before certain decisions are made.

Other aspects can influence the reality of decision-making, such as when managers have limited power or capacity to take decisions because of legal constraints, lack of financial resources or lack of political support. This can be especially the case when a rights-holder group is recognized as the de facto manager but there is a lack of legal clarity about that role or the powers and instruments that go with it to implement its responsibilities. For example, a religious body may be de facto in charge of an
architectural ensemble but may not have the authority to undertake certain conservation works without the authorization of a government institution.

The creation of heritage institutions in the past century has led to governments taking most responsibility for the protection and management of heritage places in many countries. This has sometimes undermined customary practices by Indigenous Peoples and local communities that contributed to the conservation of the heritage place. If those practices (or similar ones) are assured by the heritage authorities, the conservation outcomes remain largely the same. However, if the heritage authorities
cannot undertake certain interventions because they have to spread the use of their resources across an increasing number of heritage places then sooner or later problems will arise.

The interplay of formal and customary governance arrangements must therefore be carefully examined and supported by co-management agreements, which describe the roles, responsibilities and contributions of the different actors. It is important to note that rights-holders must be involved in decision-making and treated differently to stakeholders who have an interest but no rights over the heritage place.

4.4.4
Collaboration among managers

A first step towards effective decision-making processes involves clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each manager within the heritage place’s management system. Managers The institution(s) or other type(s) of entity(ies) and group(s), as well as the individuals working within them, with legal or customary authority or recognized responsibilities for managing the heritage as a whole or in part. Rights-holders Actors socially endowed with legal or customary rights with respect to heritage resources. In the case of Indigenous Peoples, they have the right to free, prior and informed consent before approval of designating a place affecting their lands or territories and other resources as heritage, and need to participate in its governance and management. with recognized responsibilities for managing the property or heritage place or heritage resources within the place may be considered as managers. may be bound by their legal mandate, which can go beyond the management of a single heritage place. The manager may not have a mandate that is specific to heritage, for example, in the case of municipalities that are responsible for a historic town centre or a cultural landscape, and in these cases they may have a much larger jurisdiction than the heritage place. As such, a good understanding of the role that each manager plays within the management system of a heritage place, and how they contribute to decision-making processes, is crucial for that system to function effectively.

When decision-making is the responsibility of more than one manager, mechanisms are needed to facilitate coordination by:

  • establishing collaborative platforms to bring managers together on a regular basis;
  • setting-up protocols for exchanging information;
  • defining clear rules and procedures for making decisions, for example through memorandums of understanding;
  • determining who has the lead in coordinating and harmonizing efforts;
  • specifying mechanisms to reach collaborative decisions and measures to address disputes. 

In practice, for collaboration to happen, managers have to believe that working together will generate better outcomes and provide benefits that would not occur in unilateral or less inclusive decision-making processes. As a result, this increases the managers’ willingness to seek agreement and find compromises when needed.

4.4.5
Resolving conflict

Conflict can arise in the management of heritage places, for instance, due to the different views held on what should be prioritized, the approaches to be adopted, or in determining the most effective measures to respond to factors affecting the heritage place. Issues of access to the heritage place and its resources can also be subject to competing cultural and economic interests, and the allocation of limited resources can be a source of contention. Unequal power dynamics among the various actors involved in the management of the heritage place can lead to disputes, as certain individuals or groups may wield more authority, power and influence over decision-making processes.

Recognizing and effectively resolving these conflicts, in accordance with the principles of good governance presented in this manual (see 4.1), is a challenging responsibility shouldered by managers of heritage places. In some cases, seeking the assistance of mediators may be necessary to facilitate productive dialogue and reach mutually agreeable solutions, such as neutral facilitators or consultants.
In addition, certain general approaches can help managers navigate the complexities and tensions that arise in conflict resolution in heritage places:

  • Building relationships between actors is the most overlooked yet essential element of resolving conflict and creating new collaborative ways of working. This requires a significant investment of time, goodwill and other resources.
  • Transparency, through continuous timely, and understandable information-sharing, is crucial to foster trust and understanding among all actors. Open and honest communication can help bridge gaps in understanding and foster collaborative approaches to conflict resolution.
  • Resourcing for consultative processes, including at the time of management planning and resource allocation, is essential to ensure that sufficient time, funding and expertise are allocated to successfully engage all relevant actors in meaningful discussions and decision-making.
  • In difficult situations, implementing effective dispute resolution processes is vital. This involves establishing mutually agreed mechanisms for consensus-building in advance, continuous dialogue, mediation, negotiation and arbitration, providing a structured framework for addressing conflicts and reaching consensus.
  • Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes is essential. Rightsholders should have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and have their voices considered in the decision-making process.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
  • Is there a platform or mechanism to bring managers together at regular intervals to discuss management issues and facilitate decision-making? If not, is one needed? If yes, is it working well and are necessary resources identified and allocated?
  • Are there clear, common and agreed-upon management objectives for the property or other heritage place? Have all managers committed to implement the agreed objectives?
  • Are there formal agreements between managers to facilitate the exchange of information about the management of the property and any existing buffer zone(s)? If no such agreements exist, are there broader agreements that could be used as a basis to facilitate cooperative management?
  • Are there informal agreements or collaborative exchange arrangements between managers? If necessary, how might such informal practices be reinforced and expanded to include other managers?
  • Is information shared among all managers or only between some of them?
  • Are there obligations to share certain types of information among managers? If not, is information shared in informal ways?
  • How is information compiled and archived? How is information made available to all managers?
  • Are there clear rules and procedures as to how the management plan for the property and any existing buffer zone(s) are to be integrated into and/or align with all other planning instruments?
  • When different managers develop policies and plans that will affect the management of the property, are other managers consulted about their content? Is it a requirement to at least consult with the manager with the primary responsibility for the World Heritage property A cultural, natural or mixed heritage place inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore considered to be of OUV for humanity. The responsibility for nominating a property to the World Heritage List falls upon the State(s) Party(ies) where it is located. The World Heritage Committee decides whether a property should be inscribed on the World Heritage List, taking into account the technical recommendations of the Advisory Bodies following rigorous evaluation processes.
    When used as a general term, World Heritage refers to all the natural, cultural and mixed properties inscribed on the World Heritage List.         , from a heritage perspective?
  • If working with a serial property involving different jurisdictions and multiple managers, are there procedures to coordinate and harmonize decision-making processes across the different components?
  • Is there a clear understanding of the areas where the roles and interests of different managers are aligned and where there may be potential conflict?
  • Is the practice of some customary rights in conflict with the management objectives for the property? Do rights-holder practices positively contribute to the protection and management of the property?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
  • UNESCO, ICCROM The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) is an intergovernmental organization created to promote the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage worldwide. Its headquarters are located in Rome, Italy.Its mission is to provide Member States with the best tools, knowledge, skills and enabling environment to preserve their cultural heritage in all of its forms, for the benefit of all people. It achieves this by working with institutions and professionals on the ground, nationally and internationally along three lines of action:studying and promoting cultural heritage conservation;mobilizing and coordinating expertise to address critical issues of conservation;providing the training and research tools for implementation to strengthen the
    professional community.     , ICOMOS The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is an international nongovernmental organization bringing together cultural heritage professionals from across the world. Its headquarters are located in Charenton le Pont, near Paris, France.ICOMOS was founded in 1965 after the adoption of the Venice Charter, in order to promote the doctrine and the techniques of conservation. It advises the World Heritage Committee The main decision-making body of the World Heritage Convention The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international treaty adopted by the UN in 1972 that defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value for all humankind. Commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, it establishes how the international community as a whole is responsible for
    the protection of such heritage and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites that may be eligible for inscription onto the World Heritage List and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the sites situated on its territory that have been recognized as being of Outstanding Universal Value, but also to protect its national heritage and to be involved in international efforts to protect, conserve and promote the heritage of humankind.         , it consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected for terms up to six years, but voluntarily reduced to 4 years to ensure equitable representation.The Committee meets at least once a year. It is one of the key implementing actors of the World Heritage Convention The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is an international treaty adopted by the UN in 1972 that defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value for all humankind. Commonly known as the World Heritage Convention, it establishes how the international community as a whole is responsible for
    the protection of such heritage and sets out the duties of States Parties in identifying potential sites that may be eligible for inscription onto the World Heritage List and their role in protecting and preserving them. By signing the Convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the sites situated on its territory that have been recognized as being of Outstanding Universal Value, but also to protect its national heritage and to be involved in international efforts to protect, conserve and promote the heritage of humankind.         , allocates financial assistance from the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. and has the final say on whether a site shall be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites and decides on the inscription or removal of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.The main functions of the Convention, in cooperation with States Parties, are to:decide, on the basis of Tentative Lists and nominations submitted by States Parties, which cultural and natural properties of Outstanding Universal Value are to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and therefore protected under the Convention;examine the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List through processes of Reactive Monitoring and Periodic Reporting;decide which properties inscribed on the World Heritage List are to be inscribed
    on, or removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger;decide whether a property should be deleted from the World Heritage List;define the procedure by which requests for International Assistance are to be
    considered and carry out studies and consultations as necessary before coming to a decision;determine how the resources of the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. can be used most advantageously to assist States Parties in the protection of their properties of Outstanding Universal Value;seek ways to increase the World Heritage Fund A trust fund established according to article 15 of the World Heritage Convention in conformity with the provisions of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO to assist in the protection of properties forming part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value.The Fund for the Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, commonly known as World Heritage Fund, consists of compulsory and voluntary contributions made by States Parties to the Convention, and any other resources authorized by the Fund’s regulations. These include resources received from UNESCO, UN organisations, public or private bodies or individuals, funds raised for the benefit of the Fund, any other source acceptable to the World Heritage Committee. The Fund may be used for purposes defined by the World Heritage Committee and may include studies, provision of expertise and skilled labour, training activities, low-interest or interest- free loans or, in exceptional cases and for special reasons of non- repayable subsidies for the protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. ;submit a report on its activities every two years to the General Assembly of States
    Parties and to the UNESCO General Conference;review and evaluate periodically the implementation of the Convention;revise and adopt the Operational Guidelines.     by carrying out technical evaluations of properties with cultural values proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List, as well as with comparative studies, technical assistance and reporting on the state of conservation of inscribed properties. In order to tackle the numerous facets of immovable cultural heritage and to develop the necessary scientific knowledge and methodological approaches for its protection, conservation and interpretation, ICOMOS has established scientific international committees on various cultural heritage themes and issues. The international scientific committees are ICOMOS technical bodies. As such, they undertake research, develop conservation theory, guidelines and charters, foster training for better heritage conservation, promote international exchange of scientific information and carry out common projects.     , IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international membership association composed of both government and civil society organizations. It harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its member organizations and the input of its experts to promote nature conservation and accelerate the transition to sustainable development. The headquarters of the IUCN Secretariat are located in Gland, Switzerland.Created in 1948, IUCN has evolved into the world’s largest environmental network: IUCN experts are organized into six commissions dedicated to species survival, environmental law, protected areas, social and economic policy, ecosystem management and education and communication. (2023). Tool 4 Governance The interactions among structures, processes and traditions that determine how power and responsibilities are exercised, how decisions are taken and how different actors have their say in relation to the identification, protection and management of the World Heritage All inherited assets that people value for reasons beyond mere utility. Heritage is a broad concept and includes shared legacies from the natural environment, the creations of humans and the creations and interactions of humans and nature. It encompasses built, terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, landscapes and seascapes, biodiversity, geodiversity, collections, cultural practices, knowledge, living experiences, etc. property or the heritage place. Arrangements and Tool 8 Decision making processes in Enhancing Our Heritage Toolkit 2.0. Paris, UNESCO.